Moon Studios Considers Bringing 'No Rest for the Wicked' to Switch 2

07/22/2025

Moon Studios, the creative force recognized for the beloved 'Ori' series, is currently evaluating the prospect of releasing their latest action RPG, 'No Rest for the Wicked,' on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This strategic assessment comes at a pivotal moment, as the gaming industry anticipates the new console's capabilities. The developers are keen to understand player interest and the feasibility of a port, particularly after Nintendo's recent official announcement of the Switch 2, opening new avenues for game distribution. This move highlights the evolving landscape of game development and platform availability, emphasizing strategic decisions in a highly competitive market.

Moon Studios Gauges Interest for 'No Rest for the Wicked' on Nintendo Switch's Successor

In a significant development for the gaming community, Moon Studios' CEO, Thomas Mahler, has initiated discussions regarding the potential launch of their new title, 'No Rest for the Wicked,' on the Nintendo Switch 2. This inquiry began in the late hours of July 21, 2025, on social media platforms, targeting fans of their previous works like 'Ori' and general Nintendo console enthusiasts. The game, a 'visceral precision Action RPG,' originally debuted in early access on Steam in April of the previous year, garnering "mostly positive" feedback.

Mahler's statements, reportedly confirmed on Discord on the morning of July 22, 2025, indicate a strategic re-evaluation of platform releases for 'No Rest for the Wicked.' He noted, "Given current market conditions, we might only release on PS5 and potentially Switch 2 for the time being - we'll have to discuss things with MS to see what makes sense for Xbox." This suggests a focused approach on PlayStation 5 and the upcoming Nintendo hardware, potentially sidelining an Xbox version for the time being. The narrative of 'No Rest for the Wicked' plunges players into a grim 841 AD, following the death of King Harol and the resurgence of a thousand-year-old plague, the Pestilence. As a 'Cerim,' a holy warrior, players navigate the tumultuous Isola Sacra, battling corruption and political strife to cleanse the land of evil.

The decision to gauge interest on the Switch 2 is a testament to the increasing costs and complexities of game development. While the original Switch enjoyed immense commercial success, the digital storefront has become saturated, making it challenging for new titles, even from established third-party and independent studios, to gain visibility. Moon Studios' proactive engagement with the player base is a prudent step in navigating these market realities, ensuring a viable path for their latest creation on Nintendo's next-generation console.

From a journalist's perspective, this development offers a fascinating glimpse into the strategic considerations of game developers in an ever-evolving industry. The direct engagement by Moon Studios with their fanbase, rather than simply announcing decisions, reflects a growing trend towards community-driven development and market research. It's a pragmatic approach in a landscape where development costs are soaring and audience attention is fragmented. For players, this signifies a promising future for the Switch 2, indicating that it's poised to attract high-caliber titles from renowned studios. The question isn't just about technical capability, but about strategic alignment and community demand, which Moon Studios is wisely assessing. This iterative dialogue between developers and players could very well shape the early library of the Switch 2, fostering a more responsive and player-centric ecosystem.